38 Potamogeton diversifolium.
compressed spikes, differing in this structure remarkably from all
other American species of the genus, which bear their flowers in long
terminal spikes. Inhabits stagnant pools with boggy bottoms, in Jersey
near Woodbury, flowering in July and August.
The generic appellation Potamogeton, (signifying Pond weed,) is
the ofthe ancient Greeks, so called from a river, and
a neighbour or ally, because all the species of the genus inhabit
pools and ponds. The present little plant I detected in July, 1814. The
small nutant leaves, about six or eight in number, have a convex and
very shining appearance, resembling, as they are spread on the water,
the little aromatic water beetle, which is often seen on the surface of
stagnant pools. The submersed leaves and stem are so very delicate
as to be imperceptible, except in very clear water. This species is
allied to P. hybridum of Michaux, but is very distinct. It is not unlikely
that it is the P. setaceum* of Pursh. I had published it prior
to the publication of his work under the above specific name, therefore
have not thought proper to change it.
The table represents the plant of the natural size.
* P. setaceum. Upper leaves opposite, lanceolate, 5-nerved, short, petiolate, lower
ones alternate, filiform, spikes dense, alternate, shorter than the leaf, Pursh. On
small lakes and rivers, on the pine barrens of Jersey, %. July, August, V. S. The
upper leaves are scarcely half an inch long, the whole plant very slender. Pursh.
FI. Am. Sep. vol. i. p. 120.